The current pharmacological and psychological treatments are not effective in all the people who suffer schizophrenia. This research group conducts clinical trials on the treatment of resistant schizophrenia or schizophrenia with predominant negative pharmacological or psychological symptoms. Four clinical trials have been carried out independently of the pharmaceutical industry, with financing from public bodies and from private foundations (Stanley Foundation).

The research focuses on investigating altered molecular mechanisms in the brain in schizophrenia that can lead to alterations in neuronal development or functioning of synaptic transmission, with special interest in transcription factors.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterised by multifocal pain, and other associated somatic symptoms including fatigue, insomnia, cognitive problems, and psychological distress. Given its high prevalence, severe functional impairment, and elevated health care costs, FM is considered a serious public health problem. Although the pathogenesis of FM is currently unknown, it is likely caused by an interaction of biological, behavioural and psychological mechanisms.

FM syndrome represents a great challenge for health professionals because of the lack of optimal treatment options. Effectiveness of pharmacological interventions is generally limited and most promising effects have been found for non-pharmacological treatments (e.g. aerobic exercise, health education, relaxation). However, there is a lack of empirical evidence on the cost-effectiveness of these treatments. With this in mind, we initiated a research line in 2007 with the main objective of assessing the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of diverse psychological treatments for FM in collaboration with Prof. M. Knapp and Dr. Francesco D'Amico from the Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU; London School of Economics and Political Science, UK) and with Dr. Javier García-Campayo (Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain): (1) Psycho-education implemented in general practice vs. usual care; (2) Cognitive Behaviour Therapy vs. recommended pharmacological therapy vs. usual care; (3) Group Acceptance & Commitment Therapy vs. FDA-recommended pharmacological treatment; and (4) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction vs. usual care (research project recently funded by the ISCIII, Miguel Servet Contract).